PPBM doesn’t have ‘special task force’ for Umno, says Muhyiddin

Muhyiddin denied that PPBM is deliberately enticing Opposition lawmakers to boost its representation in Parliament. — Picture by Azneal Ishak

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 — Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today said his party does not have a dedicated team to get Umno members to cross over.

The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) president denied that the ruling party is deliberately enticing Opposition lawmakers to boost its representation in Parliament or the state assemblies as alleged by Umno secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

“There is no special task force being set up by Bersatu in particular to approach them to join us. That is not part of our plan,” Muhyiddin told reporters at Parliament, using the shorter name for PPBM.

The home minister said it was entirely up to Umno members if they wish to quit the Malay nationalist party in favour of PPBM.

He said PPBM could not do anything if this was the sentiment among the lower rungs of Umno's leaders.

“The party is open to all to join, not only from Umno but from non-Umno as well,” he said, adding that PPBM accepts those who support its struggle.

Yesterday, Annuar claimed Umno members were being solicited by other parties to leave the former Barisan Nasional lynchpin and to join them instead.